Installing solar power roof shingles
Do you need a new roof? Are you looking for a way to save energy costs? How about going green? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should consider solar power roof shingles. What kind of new-fangled gimmick is this, you ask? It is probably the smartest investment a homeowner can make!
Unlike regular solar panels, solar power roof shingles look just like regular roof (asphalt) shingles. But the secret ingredient is that they contain a special photovoltaic substance in the form of a thin film on the top. The PV film allows solar power roof shingles to transform solar radiation (light) directly into electricity. Because solar power roof shingles look just like regular tiles, they blend into the roof without resulting in any aesthetic disruption of the overall appearance of the building.
Another benefit of solar power roof shingles is that they are designed to last up to 40 years – extending the life of your roof longer than regular shingles. Perhaps most exciting is the fact that, if you cover your roof surface with solar power roof shingles, your life can be 100% powered by clean, renewable energy from the sun. Yes, I am talking about free electricity! Just put them up on your roof and enjoy the benefits of continuous solar energy.
Notice how solar power roof shingles blend right in
Oh, and don’t forget how convenient it will be for you to have power when the rest of the grid goes down in a storm or other disaster. No rotten food, the ability to continue using television and your computer to communicate with the world, and just basic security and peace of mind can be yours when you install solar power roof shingles.
Don’t think you can afford it? I’m here to say, you can! Not only will the price of the solar power roof shingles be recouped over years of low- or no-electric bills, but the overall value of your property will increase by about 10% as a result of the installation. In addition, the federal government and many states offer tax incentives for renewable energy projects such as solar power roof shingles.
One question you will have to address when planning a solar power roof shingle project is whether you wish to be entirely off-grid, or to have a grid-tie-in. WIth a tie-in to the grid, you can sell your excess power generated during the day to the electrical company and then buy it back (often at a reduced cost) during the nighttime or when output is decreased. Many people believe that you should consider becoming power independent, however. This would require the installation of batteries that can store the excess power and then you would later draw on them. Batteries would also be required for rural properties that are already off-grid.
After all of my research on solar power roof shingles, I think I have convinced my husband to consider installing them on our own roof. We see many homes in our Central Oregon region fitted with solar panels. And I am noticing more and more with roofing that appears to be solar power roof shingles…. but I just can’t tell. Its a “clean” little secret, don’t you think?
Tags: solar power roof shingles, solar roof shingles, solar roofing
November 23rd, 2008 at 1:01 am
This looks incredibly hot. This looks really beautiful.
November 23rd, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Hi Solar Panels,
Thank you – the solar power roof shingles are truly the way to go, not only for homes, but also commercial buildings.
Thanks for the comment!
Stephanie
November 25th, 2008 at 8:05 am
Hi Stephanie.
Great article first of all, but let me disagree on your comment – specifically “the solar power roof shingles are truly the way to go, not only for homes, but also commercial buildings.
Here is why:
I’m a roofer and a solar advocate (soon to be installer, however since I’m not an electrician,I’ll need a hand from one), but I try to look at things from a practical perspective.
Solar shingles are not practical: Too many proprietary systems and manufacturers, too expensive to buy, too difficult and time consuming to install. You have to drill holes and feed connectors of EACH shingle through a roof deck into the attic. It takes too much time on the roof and in the attic. Also doing this is quiet dangerous on high-pitch roofs. All this extra stuff you have to do really takes away the “integrated” part of this solar system, as it is easier NOT to integrate.
For the amount of extra money you spend in installing this system you much better of getting a standing seam Solar Metal Roof with Uni-solar PV laminates – just like it is shown in the last video. If you have limited space and need more kW, same metal roof with aluminum brackets and regular, non thin-film PV panels will work great and you will have a great-looking, long-lasting cool metal roof. No more asphalt shingles, and no more waste in our land-fills.
The shingles are useless on low-sloped and nearly flat roofs. But you can still use the Uni-solar laminates. It is a very versatile PV system. You can attach it to structural metal roofing (low-slope, but works the same as in the video above, and it also comes integrated into solar flat roofing membrane which again is a fully integrated roof + solar PV system.
November 25th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Hi Solar Home Design, it is great to hear from a contractor! Thank you for your thorough comment. I should have been more specific in my last comment. You are correct that solar shingles are not the best way to go on flat or low-sloped roofs, as any solar panel must be correctly angled towards the sun. I will be writing another article on solar laminates.
Solar roof shingles do have many benefits – they are less visually intrusive for those homeowners or business that do not wish to have solar panels visible. With respect to the price, those people may be willing to pay more, for the aesthetic value and the durability for the life of the roof.
Fortunately, as you point out, there are many options for people that want to go solar! I also believe that the costs will continue to come down for PV products, and tax credits help defray investments.
It is great to hear your experience and I hope you continue to read articles here at Solar Power – PV Panels.
Best, Stephanie
February 4th, 2009 at 9:52 am
Hi there,
I was recently tasked to research solar roofing options for our company in Virginia. I am trying to understand how to determine if technology is practical in our area. How does one determine if a system is actually viable? I have been learning about the systems but still cannot determine if our storatge capacity makes it worth while. Any pointers?
Wendy
April 24th, 2009 at 4:29 am
Hopefully solar contractors will start using this kind of panels in commercial solar roofing projects.
April 24th, 2009 at 4:40 am
by the way, you can also try a directory of solar roofing installers
December 8th, 2009 at 6:22 am
Solar Power for Houses
A basic solar installation from a retailer can take 30 years to pay back and cost you well over $20,000?
I just made my own solar panel. It was so simple and looks just like a bought panel.
I managed to build 4 solar panels for under $200!
Residential solar electric systems.